Learn about Medi-Cal and Covered California: what they are, what they do, how they are different, how to reach them and how to apply for coverage. Find out what you need to know.
Medi-Cal Contact Information
800 541 5555
Or contact your local Medi-Cal office: Click here to look up the county where you live.
Covered California Contact Information
800 300 1506
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is the California version of a federal medical assistance program called Medicaid.
It’s a publicly funded health insurance program covering:
low-income adults,
families with children,
seniors,
persons with disabilities,
children in foster care as well as former foster youth up to age 26,
and pregnant women.
Medi-Cal is a social safety net for low income and disabled people.
If you’re eligible, you can apply for Medi-Cal year-round.
Learn more about Medi-Cal here.
What is Covered California?
Covered California is a marketplace to access private health insurance that may qualify for government subsidies.
Eligibility for subsidies depends on your income.
Normally you enroll in Covered California during open enrollment, which takes place during the fall.
But individuals with qualifying life events can enroll at any time of the year.
For example, if you had insurance through your job and you lose it, you can qualify to enroll in Covered California.
Are Medi-Cal and Covered California the same?
No, but they work together and the coverage offered by both is intended to be very similar.
Should I apply for Medi-Cal or for Covered California?
If you’re not sure which program you are eligible for, you can apply for both through Covered California.
If you qualify for Medi-Cal, they will refer you.
How do I reach Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is administered by the local social services agency in the county where you live.
Click here to look up the Medi-Cal phone number for your county or call 1-800-541-5555.
Am I eligible for Medi-Cal?
Eligibility is based on a number of factors, such as income.
Click here for income eligibility limits based on family size.
There are other eligibility factors as well. Click here for more info on Medi-Cal eligibility.
How do I apply for Medi-Cal ?
You have several options to apply for Medi-Cal. It’s easy!
Option 1: Apply through Covered California
online at www.coveredca.com
or by phone at 800-300-1506.
Option 2: Apply by mail.
Click here to find and download a Medi-Cal application in the language of your choice.
Complete the form and mail it to:
Covered California, P.O. Box 989725, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9725
Option 3: Apply in person
at your local county social services agency.
If you need help or have questions, free help is available!
Click here to find a certified enroller in your area.
Do I have to wait for open enrollment to apply?
The rules are different depending on whether you’re applying for Medi-Cal or for Covered California.
Medi-Cal: If you’re eligible, you can enroll in Medi-Cal any time.
No need to wait for open enrollment, which takes place in the fall.
Covered California: You have to apply during open enrollment.
Except individuals with qualifying life events can enroll at any time of the year.
When will my Medi-Cal benefits card arrive?
It may take a while for your application to be processed and get your Benefits Identification Card (BIC).
To check the status of your application, please contact your county human services agency.
Do not submit a duplicate application while you’re waiting. It will slow things down.
If you have a health problem and still don’t have your card:
Click here for critical info for Pending Applicants and Newly Enrolled Members .
How much does Medi-Cal cost?
It depends on your situation. Many people pay no premiums, deductibles or co-pays.
Others may pay very affordable monthly premiums.
Your county eligibility worker can explain.
I no longer qualify for Medi-Cal. What should I do?
If you lose Medi-Cal eligibility (because your income goes up, for example), check with Covered California.
You might qualify to save on your premiums with subsidies!
Click here for more Covered California FAQs.
Click here for more on Medi-Cal costs and FAQs.
Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Medicare – what’s the difference?
They are all types of public health insurance.
Medicaid is for very low income people, and it’s managed by the state where you live so benefits and rules can vary.
Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid.
Medicare is for citizens aged 65 or older no matter how much they earn. It only takes about 10 minutes to sign up online. It’s administered by the federal government, so the rules are the same across the country.
And finally, what’s Medicare for All?
Medicare for All is a public health insurance arrangement in which one public or quasi-public agency – a single payer – collects all premiums and pays all healthcare costs of a nation or state. It’s the future of health care!
Two federal Medicare for All bills have been introduced in 2019:
H.R. 1384, Medicare for All Act of 2019 was introduced in the House of Representatives.
S.1129, Medicare for All Act of 2019 was introduced in the Senate.
Sign up to learn more about the California Medicare for All movement and the people making it happen!
Disclaimer:
External links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by HEAL California or the California OneCare Education Fund of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Neither HEAL California nor California OneCare Education Fund bear responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
HEAL California is an independent news and information hub focused on the California Medicare for All movement. We feature non-partisan news, views, podcasts and videos that highlight the continuing failures of our broken healthcare system and elevate the voices of advocates and organizations fighting for change.
Check out our Media page for experts and additional resources including links to legislation, studies, and more.
Keep up with the California Medicare for All movement –
My name is Cassiano Santiago, I’m a physician researching with the University of Pennsylvania. I’m trying to find information on Medi-cal reimbursement rates of 2017, but I can’t find it on the website and I can’t find any e-mail address to contact medi-cal.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Dear Dr. Santiago:
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find Medi-Cal reimbursement rates online either. I also couldn’t find an email contact.
I think the next step would be to call the Medi-Cal provider services number listed below. Perhaps a telephone agent can direct your call to the appropriate department, or to historical reimbursement rate data online.
Best,
The HEAL Team
Contact Medi-Cal: Services
Telephone Service Center (TSC): 1-800-541-5555
Providers may call the Telephone Service Center (TSC) at 1-800-541-5555 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. The TSC is staffed by knowledgeable telephone agents who can help providers understand the following:
Medi-Cal billing policies and procedures
Provider manual information
Correct completion of claims, Claims Inquiry Forms (CIFs), Appeal forms and Resubmission Turnaround Documents (RTDs)
Ordering forms and provider manuals